Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends. – John 15:15a
Close friends came to visit our family last week. Missionaries to Tanzania, they had quite a harrowing journey back to the States recently, and much to share with us about that adventure and others.
They are the kind of friends – honestly, perhaps our only friends – with whom we can be completely ourselves.
We attended college together, where our friendship began more than twenty years ago. Our children are the same ages. We are similar in so many ways, from our sense of humor to our world view to our faith, that our conversation is always easy and unguarded.
We can trust them with matters of the heart and turn to them for encouragement and advice.
When we spend time with them, we leave feeling edified, strengthened, and loved – not because of anything we have done for them, but simply because they understand us and appreciate us as we are.
As I prayed for my friends this week, the Holy Spirit reminded me that Jesus is just such a friend.
There is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. – Proverbs 18:24b
Oh, I know that Jesus loves me, but sometimes I look at his love as more universal than personal. He loves everyone, after all.
I forget that he has the capacity and the desire to be my best friend, just as he wants to be yours.
Always available, he is the ideal listener and the perfect counselor.
Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. – Revelation 3:20
As the Son of God, he forgives our sins and supplies our needs.
As the Son of Man, he sympathizes with our weaknesses and empathizes with our emotions.
He “gets” us, even better than our best earthly friends.
Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. – Hebrews 4:14-16
Do you have a best friend? Would you consider your relationship with Christ a friendship?
My Way Home 
Thinking of it as a friendship follows with the thought of having a personal relationship with Jesus, don’t you think? I see Him as friend, counselor and big brother, allowing me room to find my way, but always close by to help me up when I fall.
LikeLiked by 2 people
So well said, Mike. I agree. I always want to maintain the balance of reverential respect for God while still realizing that Christ is my brother and friend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jesus does want to be our closest friend. He is the best friend we could ever ask for!
LikeLiked by 1 person
And always a better friend than we deserve.
LikeLiked by 1 person
After watching the human race stumble about, can’t you imagine Him doing a divine eye roll and shaking His head with a sigh and a grin?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes! I’m so glad his mercy is unlimited!
LikeLike
Lately I’ve been seeing the attributes of God as Father and what really means. Knowing us before we were before, standing with us through it all and not having a blind eye. Using all things for our benefit even if we do not like it at first.
I’m really glad you have those kinds of friends. They are hard to come by 💗💗💗
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, T.R. We feel fortunate to have even one couple that are such genuine friends to us!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a blessing to have friends like those! As corny as it sounds, my best friend is my wife of nearly 37 years. She has my complete trust which allows me to be totally transparent.
The question about friendship with Jesus is interesting/challenging. Like every good gift, the friendship of our Lord comes from above. He first loved us, and that love is so deep He took our place on the cross.
Yet as I consider my friends in this world, it is so vastly different from the perfection of the Lord that they can seem quite shallow. Looking at friendship through this filter makes it difficult to look upon Jesus as merely a friend. Thankfully, He is the perfect friend and allows me to sift through these thoughts, ever ready to call me into the depth of relationship with Him again.
Great post and questions!
Pastor Chuck
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much for your perspective, Pastor Chuck. There is indeed a reverence and depth of feeling that comes with our friendship with Christ, as opposed to even our dearest Christian friends. He IS a friend…yet so much more.
LikeLiked by 1 person